I need to call the IRS to prove my identity, what do I need to know?

The IRS uses Letter 5071 when they need to verify your identity before processing a return.

The IRS states, if you filed a tax return or didn’t file a tax return, contact us online or by phone to verify your identity and tax return information.

Online

• Use our secure Identity Verification Service. It’s quick, secure, and available 24 hours a day.
• Have a copy of the 5071C letter you received and a copy of the tax return for the tax year shown in the letter.

By phone

• Call the toll-free IRS Identity Verification telephone number in the 5071C letter.

Have a copy of the following:

• The 5071C letter
• The tax return referenced in the letter (Form 1040, 1040A, 1040-EZ, 1040-PR, 1040-NR, etc.). Note: A Form W-2, Form 1099 is not a tax return.
• A previous year’s income tax return, other than the year in the letter (Form 1040, 1040A, 1040-EZ, 1040-PR, 1040-NR, etc.). Note: A Form W-2, Form 1099 is not a tax return.
• Supporting documents that you filed with each year’s tax return. (Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C of F, etc.).

If the IRS can’t verify your identity over the phone or online, they may ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office to verify your identity in person.

Note: Authorized third parties may assist taxpayers, but the taxpayer must be present on the phone or in-person.

If they don’t hear from you, they may not be able to process your return, issue refunds, or apply overpayments to next year’s estimated tax.

The toll-free number IRS Identity Verification number is for identity verification only. No other tax-related information, including refund status, is available.